Axle nuts

[CDNRatMan]

 An thought I was the only one who did not like the heat............

[JagLite]

No thanks!
I grew up in Hawaii and over the years the heat got harder to take.
Moved to Alaska and have been here more than 30 years.
I do go down to Maui a couple times each winter to visit my folks though.
That always reminds me that I can't take the heat.   

[John Hopkins]

On a more practical and sensible note..

Move south.. You would have to be nuts to live next to the north pole.

Even Santa moves to a mall in Florida for Christmas.

John.

[JagLite]

Aye, a Sat phone would be great.

Do they work on the other 6 days of the week?   

That is out of my budget but I am looking at getting a Spot tracker for the trip.
Much more affordable and would do what I would want.

Cell phone coverage is non-existent for most of the trip through Canada and Alaska once out of a city.
But there is a steady flow of traffic since there are so few roads so it isn't long before a friendly driver or rider comes along.

I have Good Sam Roadside Assistance and they really do send someone to you wherever you are.
Well worth the $120 a year that covers all our vehicles.
They towed my motorhome almost 200 miles to the nearest shop that could work on it on one trip outside.
(seized air pump on the engine) No cost!

I like to be able to fix a flat tire and do any minor repairs if needed, but I plan to call for help if anything comes up.

I will be installing new tires and tubes before I leave though.

Thanks for the laughs guys!

Remember the jars of British electrical smoke you could buy for those leaking wires?
Or the VW engine rebuild kit that was a rubber band?
I had the VW hop up kit! It was a thicker rubber band. 
Did EMPI sell those? That was a long time ago...

[pcarrell]

A SAT phone might be a good idea.

[CDNRatMan]

 John if he is riding back to Alaska through BC I'll bet that there are few recovery places or even cell service along the majority of the route.

[John Hopkins]

I am gathering stuff for my fly & ride trip in June and among many projects will be replacing the tires & tubes.
I am putting together a tool kit...
What size wrench(es) do I need for the nuts on the front & rear axles?
(yes I have the standard 8-17mm wrenches & sockets)

Thanks!

Rather than take everything you need to repair the bike including a service manual why not take a breakdown recovery card and a phone and just enjoy the ride.

John.

[pcarrell]

ok now I understand spanner wrench....ok ..........like winter air for the tires......right......

Yes, but not like blinker fluid, 'cause that's real! 

[chief]

Joke........

Oh, thought you were serious... 

[CDNRatMan]

  ok now I understand spanner wrench....ok ..........like winter air for the tires......right......

[Troll]

ok stupid question.........Crescent wrench........what is the difference between  metric and standard...........it opens and closes so it should close on any size?

Joke........

[chief]

Try a military tank supply store... it should have those 254mm/10 inch spanners.

[chief]

Well if you want metric you buy an adjustable SPANNER... if you want SAE, you buy an adjustable WRENCH...

[CDNRatMan]

  ok stupid question.........Crescent wrench........what is the difference between  metric and standard...........it opens and closes so it should close on any size?

[greenbarn]

You should cut it off in the middle... That way you'll still have both ends

[JagLite]

Blast!
I can only source a 320mm モンキーレンチ
Maybe if I cut the end off it will fit...
Does it matter which end I wonder?

[greenbarn]

Crescent wrench? Do they make a metric version? 

According to Google, you want a  モンキーレンチ (Monkīrenchi)       If you can find one,  It should fit the metric nuts better... 

So, I guess that means you need a 254 mm  モンキーレンチ, to be exact....

[Troll]

254 mm

[JagLite]

Thanks Troll and Bucko, I will be prepared.
I was aware of the fender removal so no surprise there.
I have a Honda VTX1800 so I am used to the lifting challenge.
Crescent wrench? Do they make a metric version? 

[Bucko]

You'll need to figure out a way to get the rear wheel (or front wheel) off the ground first.

Somebody used to make a easily removable centre stand for the Vulcans, not sure if they're still available or not.

[Troll]

Ok, so you know. To remove the rear wheel, you have to remove the rear fender...and to do that, you must remove the muffler assy, to gain access to the bolts holding the fender strut on the right side. Not a big deal, but it could take you by surprise...so here's a link to a page on Gadget's forum that will guide you through the rear wheel process: http://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/rearwheelremoval.html.   Take a 10" crescent wrench and a 17 mm 6 point 1/2" drive socket and ratchet with you for the axle removal. The front is easy...You will need an 8 mm long handle Allan wrench for the pinch bolt, that same 10" crescent wrench, and the 12 mm socket set Stan mentions to remove the front wheel. You will also need a #2 phillips screwdriver to take out some screws folding covers....

[JagLite]

I have only seen pictures of the bike but it looks stock to me:

[Troll]

I'll answer this question with a question: Do you have a stock exhaust?

[JagLite]

I am gathering stuff for my fly & ride trip in June and among many projects will be replacing the tires & tubes.
I am putting together a tool kit...
What size wrench(es) do I need for the nuts on the front & rear axles?
(yes I have the standard 8-17mm wrenches & sockets)

Thanks!